Stadium Southland becomes shipshape

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But after two and a half hours and several wet towels, Inders Marineland had 10 of its boats set up in Stadium Southland, ready to be exhibited at the The Southland Times Boat Show Southland.

The show opens today.

Gore-based company Inders Marineland owner Garry Inder, who started the business 27 years ago, said each boat had to be towel-dried and the stones picked out of the wheels to protect the stadium floor before they could be brought inside.

After the boats were set up, they were polished, flags were set up and brochures set out.

The company sells boats from 4m to 7.5m, ranging in cost from $29,000 to $155,000, Inders said.

Organisers said all preparations had run smoothly and it was lucky the rain had held off for the morning.

Setting up the 21st show, run by the Southland Trailer Yacht Squadron, started at 7am yesterday before exhibitors started to arrive.

A team of about 20 was on site to help get the boats through the door and on-site for the exhibitors. The show starts at 10am today and tomorrow.

It closes at 6pm tonight and 4pm tomorrow. Tickets cost $8 an adult, $3 a child and $20 for a family pass, which is two adults and three children.